Packaging device



R. LEWIS PACKAGING DEVICE Jan. 3, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 17,1958 INVENTOR RALSTEN' LEWIS ATTYS.

Jan. 3, 1961 R. LEWIS PACKAGING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 .Filed March 17.1958 mvamoa: RALSTEN LEWIS AT TYS.

x mm Jan. 3, 1961 R. LEWIS 2,966,770

I PACKAGING DEVICE Filed March 17. 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVE N'I'ORZRALSTEN LEWIS,

PACKAGING DEVICE Ralsten Lewis, 104 Charles Drive, Apt. D-l, Bryn Mawr,Pa.

Filed Mar. 17, 1958, Ser. No. 721,868

4 Claims. (Cl. 53--255) The present invention relates broadly topackaging devices, and more specifically to packaging devices adaptedfor use in connection with check-out counters for supermarkets and thelike.

Heretofore, various types of packers or packaging devices have beenutilized in which purchases could be placed in a container whichthereafter were discharged into a paper bag or the like of the usualtype, which the customer takes home with the purchases.

Such devices, however, have not been entirely satisfactory from thestandpoint of operation, initial costs, upkeep and because ofundesirable characteristics from the standpoint of the checker orcashier in a market.

It is an object of the present device to provide a packaging devicewhich is simple in nature and which is susceptible of a high degree ofefficiency in operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging deviceadapted for mounting on the top of a check-out counter in a supermarketor the like, including a basket or receptacle into which checkedarticles are placed and, following packing, a paper bag can be placedthereover and the packed articles then remain packaged in the bag whenthe receptacle is withdrawn from the bag.

Another object of the present invention is to provide, in such apackaging device, a basket or container of a simple and sturdy designwhich facilitates the storage or packing therein of purchased articlesand which is thereafter easily detached from a mount or support. 1

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a packagingdevice in combination with a checkout counter, and which check-outcounter and packaging device are so arranged and constructed as tofacilitate placement of a bag over the packaging container, and easyplacement of a filled bag in a grocery cart, while at the same timepermitting the operator easy accessibility for topping off of the bag ina known manner.

A still further object of thepresent invention is to provide in such apackaging device a mount for detachably holding a packing container orbasket in spaced relationship to the top of the check-out counter andwhich mount is movably mounted with respect to the counter top, andwhich is rotatably carried whereby the position of the container can bevaried for easy operation and removal from a possible interferingposition with respect to the checker or operator.

A still further object of the present inventionis to provide a mount orsupport for such a packaging device wherein the packaging container istilted rearwardly and sidewardly to prevent rolling of objects placedtherein, and to prevent articles from falling from the packagingcontainer.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a mount for apackaging container which is associated with lever mechanism forretracting or moving the position of the mount and container so as topermit easy placement of a bag over the container in an easilyaccessible position for the checker.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will 'be more readilyapparent from the following description of embodiments thereof whentaken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a check-out counter withthepackaging device installed thereon;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2---2 of Fig. 1, showing thepackaging container in operative position with respect to the counter;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one form of a packaging container havinga hinged side to facilitate packing;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a mounting platform or supportfor the packaging container adapted for rotation of the position of thecontainer; and

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the mounting member of Fig. 5 on a slightlyreduced scale.

For the purpose of explaining the structure of the present invention, itis shown as applied to a known type of check-out counter such as used insupermarkets and the like. This includes broadly an elongated counter10, having a movable belt 12, on which a customer places the articlespurchased, and which is operable by the checker for moving the articlesinto checking position and subsequent packaging. A transverse portion 14is provided for support of a cash register, and behind which the checkerstands during the operation. A second offset area or portion 16 isutilized for bag storage, and in the absence of a packaging device suchas disclosed herein, is used for packaging the articles by either thechecker or a person delegated to such packaging. As is usual, a cart 18is propelled by the customer in the aisle adjacent to the counter 10,and from which the articles are placed on the movable belt 12.

In practicing the present invention, the elongated counter 10 isprovided with a cut-out portion 20 in proximity to the position of thechecker in front of the portion 14 on which the cash register ismounted. The counter includes a horizontal counter portion 22. An

elongated vertical slot 24 is cut in the counter 22. A-

support member, designated 26, is provided for the packaging structure28, for detachably mounting the same. This support 26 includes a baseplate 30 having mounted thereon a Z-shaped angle member 32 with adownwardly depending lip 34 on the leading edge,

adapted for engagement with a fitting on the packaging container. Thebase plate 30 has fixed on its bottom surface a plurality of ballbearings 36, adapted for rolling engagement with the counter top 38, forrolling movement of the support 26.

A vertical web of a Z-shaped support member 40 is connected to theundersurface of base plate 30 and extends through the slot 24. Anangle-iron 42 is mounted on the underside of counter 22 and extendsadjacent to the slot 24. A trolley roller track 44 is mounted on thevertical portion of angle-iron 42 as shown in Fig. 3, and rollers 46,having stub shafts 48, are rotatably mounted in the track 44. The stubshafts 48 extend through openings in the vertical web. These rollers 46,being confined in the track 44, prevent a twisting action. when thesupport member 26, with particular reference to base plate 30 is movedalong the counter top.

The support member 26 also includes an angle-iron 50 mounted on. thebase plate 30 in spaced relation to the Z-shaped angle member 32, andthe vertical portion thereof is adapted for maintaining the packagingcontainer in a position raised from the counter top. The packagingcontainer 52 includes a bottom 54, a fixed side member 56, and a hingedside member 58. A rear wall 60 interconnects the fixed wall 56 andbottom 54 as shown-in. Fig. 4, and has an opening 62 adapted forcoaction with' spring clamp 64, carried by hinged side 58 to lock thisside in the position shown in dotted lines at 66, which is the closedposition after loading of purchased articles therein. A bracket 68 issecured to the rear wall 6% which lends rigidity to the wall 61 andadditionally serves as mounting means for the packaging container on thesupport member 26. A handle 70 is also secured to this rear wall topermit lifting from the support, and for tilting of the container andbag to deposit articles in the bag. When a hinged side member such as 58is used, the upper edge of the vertical portion of angle 54?, and thelower edge of depending lip 34 are transversely slanted so that when thepackaging container 52 engages, by means of upturned lip '72 underdownturned lip 34 and the bottom of bracket 68 engages on the top ofangle Stir, the packaging container is maintained in a transverselytilted position, as shown in Fig. 3 of the the drawings, to preventarticles from falling out of the open side, when the side 58 is inlowered or packaging position. Additionally, the height of the verticalportion of angle so is so arranged with respect to the lips 34 and 72that the outer open end 74 of the packaging container is raised withrespect to the rear wall fill to prevent articles from spilling out ofthis open front end. Under some circumstances, however, both side wallsof the packaging container will be fixed in their upright position withrespect to the rear end wall, and under such circumstances only thefront end will be open. It is not necessary when utilizing thisconstruction of the packaging container to have it transversely tiltedinto the position shown in Fig. 3. Preferably, however, the forward endwill be tilted slightly upward as shown for example in Fig. 2 of thedrawings. The packaging container is shown in full lines in Fig. 2 asbeing seated and engaged on support member 26, which is the properposition for packing of articles therein. In the dotted line positionshown in this figure, the container has been tilted whereby the engaginglips 34 and 72 can be disengaged to remove the packaging device orcontainer from the support 26.

When using the packaging device of the present invention, the checkerstanding in front of the oif-set portion 14, where the cash register islocated, will check each article as it is brought forward into checkingposition by movement of the endless belt 12, and following checking willplace the articles in the bottom of packaging container 52. When thepackaging container is substantially filled, it is then necessary toplace a bag around the container for ultimate discharge of the articlesthereinto. In order to facilitate the placing of the bag around thepackaging container the cut-out recess 24} is provided, in conjunctionwith means for retracting or moving the packaging container togetherwith its base in a movement toward the free end of the counter towardthe transverse off-set portion 16. This provides adequate space forthechecker to place the bag over the packaging container. The means formoving the packaging container on its base can assume different forms.One operable form is disclosed in the drawings with particular referenceto Figs. 2 and 3. An angle-iron 76 is affixed to the underside ofplatform 22 by means of bolts such as at 78. A vertical elongated angleso has a horizontal foot portion 82 mounted on the floor below thecounter, and at the upper end is secured to angle 76 by bolts and nuts84-. A vertical plate 36 is secured to the inner face of the toe spaceportion of the counter front 88. The vertical angle 8% and verticalplate 86 have openings through which shafts 9G and 92 extend. They arerotatably journalled by means of hearings or bearing blocks 94 carriedby the members 311 and 86.

Brackets 96 and 98 are secured on the ends of shafts Ml and 92respectively, and extend forwardly of the angle 80. parallel leversystem, including transverse lever arms 101B, 1il2 are rotatably mountedby being fixed to shafts 9i and 92 respectively. These arms carry attheir outer ends a foot treadle 104 interconnecting the ends of thearms. A second set of lever arms 106, 108 are secured on shafts and 92,and carry at their ends a foot treadle 110. A bracket 112 is secured toshaft 90 and has connected at its upper end a lever arm 114-. The upperend of lever arm 114 is interconnected with depending portion 116 ofz-shaped support as through a link 118.

A dashpot device 121} interconnects shaft 92 and a pin 122 on lever arm114. This dashpot device includes a spring mounted under compression intube 124 coacting with the end of shaft 12s which, in combination, actas an overcenter spring arrangement for maintaining the support 26 andpackaging container 52 in either forward or retracted position,depending upon actuation of the treadles 164 or 1111 to swing arm 114through the are indicated by arrow 12%. The tube is also provided with ableed hole, not shown, which together with a washer inserted in the tubeon the end of shaft 126 acts as a dashpot in a well-known manner. Bumperstops, broadly indicated 13% are provided for limiting the movement ofthe lever mechanism, and accordingly the packaging container andsupport, by engagement with the lever arm 114 as shown in Fig. 2 of thedrawings.

From the foregoing description the operation of the lever system shouldbe apparent. Briefly, however, when the operator has substantiallyfilled the packaging container 52 then, by depressing treadle 1%, thesupport 26 and package container are moved from the position shown tothe right in Fig. 2 to the retracted position 26a, carrying with it thecontainer 52. The overcenter spring arrangement in the dashpot device121 will hold the members in retracted position so that the checker canplace a bag over the container 52, facilitated by the cut-out 20, thecontainer being in elevated position with respect to the counter.Thereupon, if desired, the checker by stepping on treadle 116 willreturn the support 26 and the packaging container toward the positionshown in Fig. 2. The container 52 can then be lifted by placing one handunder the bottom 54 at the open end of the container, and the other handon the handle 71 When the rear end of the packaging container iselevated and then removed the articles contained therein are left in thebag which can be placed in the cart 18, and which is easily accomplisheddue to the proximity of the checker in the cutout area 20 to the cart.

For some purposes, it is desirable that the packaging container can beswung into the position shown in dotted lines at 52a in Fig. 1.Mechanism for accomplishing this purpose consists in a turntable type ofsupport shown in Fig. 5. This includes a base member 132 having ballbearing rollers 134 secured in its undersurface. An upper plate 136 isrotatably mounted on base plate 132 by means of a hearing or pivotmechanism 138. A spring housing 140 has a spring 142 therein engaging aball 144 adapted for engagement in circular recesses 14 6, spaced atpositions defining limits of movement of plate 136 with respect toplate132, either aligned with the counter top or at right angles thereto asshown in dotted lines at 52a in Fig. 1. Additionally, a circular are 148is provided in plate 132 into which a head 150 of pin 152 extends. Thiscircular arc is of such a length and position that, by cooperating withthe head 150, the limits of movement of plate 136 with respect to plate132 is positively determined.

This latter arrangement provides for easier access of the checker toremove the packaging container after having placed a bag 154 thereover,or placing of a filled bag in the cart shown at 18. The cut-out area 20also permits the checker to stand close to the cart 18 for placingarticles in the various bags deposited therein for topping-off purposes.

Manifestly minor changes in details of construction can be effected inindividual portions of the device without departing from the teachingsof the invention. As one example, the mechanismfor retractingthepackaging container could include only a single treadle to move thecontainer and its support to a retracted position, with a springinterconnected therewith and the counter, which would permit, uponrelease of the foot treadle, return of the support and packagingcontainer toward the checker. The scope of this invention is to belimited solely by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A packaging device for mounting on a check-out counter comprising asupport, a packaging container including a bottom and upstanding sides,coacting means on said support and an end of said container fordetachably mounting said container on said support in vertically spacedrelationship from said counter, said container having an open endopposite the end thereof having the mounting means, said coactingmounting means positioning. said container in an inclined relationshipwith respect to said counter with said open end elevated a greaterdistance above said counter than the other said end, means movablymounting said support including a depending plate secured to theunderside of said support extending below the top of said counter, andmeans operatively connected with said plate for positively moving saidplate longitudinally of said counter together with said support and saidcontainer.

2. A packaging device as claimed in claim 1, said means for moving saidplate together with said support and said container including a leversystem having a foot treadle connected thereto and operable by a foot ofa checker.

3. A packaging device as claimed in claim 2, and a spring attached tosaid lever system for return movement of the container upon release ofsaid foot treadle to return said container to its initial position.

4. A packaging device as claimed in claim 3, said counter having acut-out therein, said container extending over said cut-out in normalposition and being movable away from said cut-out whereby a checker canplace a bag over said container facilitated by said cut-out, and placethe bag in a cart adjacent the counter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,953,524 Woodward Apr. 3, 1934 2,115,085 Redlinger Apr. 26, 19382,599,487 Salerno et al. June 3, 1952 2,641,400 Simmons June 9, 19532,672,218 Genung Mar. 16, 1954 2,757,500 Heinl et a1. Aug. 7, 19562,850,855 Offutt Sept. 9, 1958 2,851,838 McIntyre et al. Sept. 16, 1958

